Country singer Jake Owen gets exemption into Nashville Open

(AP File Photo, Eric Risberg)Country singer Jake Owen (left), pictured here with Jordan Spieth, has played in PGA Tour pro-ams before, but in May he'll get a taste of real competition in the Web.com Tour's Nashville Golf Open.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country singer Jake Owen will play in the Web.com Tour's Nashville Golf Open next May on a sponsor's exemption.

Owen, who has played in several PGA Tour pro-ams, will compete as an amateur. The exemption was announced Monday.

The singer says he's truly honored and knows how hard golfers work to play in these events. Owen says he can't wait for May 21, when the event benefiting Brandt Snedeker's foundation begins.

Owen is known for hits including "American Country Love Song" and "Beachin’."

The Web.com Tour has occasionally given spots in tournament fields to celebrities who are low-handicap golfers. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors received an exemption to the Ellie Mae Classic in August. Jerry Rice and John Smoltz have also teed it up on the tour.

The practice, however, has drawn occasional criticism from those who would prefer to see the sponsor spots reserved for full-time golf professionals.

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